From the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness:

TRENTON - Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) today launched the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program (NJ NSGPP) open application period which will remain open through June 14, 2019.

On January 9, Governor Murphy and NJOHSP announced that NJ NSGPP would be expanded for security measures available to eligible nonprofit organizations deemed vulnerable to attacks. Under Assembly Bill No. 3906, nonprofit organizations can apply for grant funding to hire security personnel and acquire target hardening equipment to enhance facilities’ preparedness in combating threats and other violent acts. Previously, grant money could only be awarded for procurement of security personnel.

“Fear and faith should not exist in the same sphere,” said Governor Murphy. “Safety within the state is paramount, and communities within New Jersey should rest easy knowing that their security is a top priority of my Administration. The expansion of the NJ NSGPP grant will aid houses of worship, community centers, and schools in maintaining spaces free of hate or violence.”

As part of the pilot program, eligible nonprofit organizations in New Jersey can apply to NJOHSP for grant funding for security personnel through the Security Personnel (NJ NSGPP-SP) opportunity, which is limited to the hiring of federal, state, county, or municipal active law enforcement officers appointed pursuant to P.L.1985, or security officers registered pursuant to P.L.2004, c.134, for the applicant’s facility. The use of security personnel may also be used for “off-site events” within the geographic boundaries of New Jersey for which the nonprofit organization principally planned and has legal liability. The maximum amount per applicant is $10,000.

“NJOHSP works tirelessly to ensure that residents and visitors who participate in religious and community gatherings throughout New Jersey are free to do so without fear for their safety,” said Jared M. Maples, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. “The changes made to the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program greatly assist my office in being able to provide the highest level of security possible to nonprofit organizations throughout the state.”

The other program offered under the grant is through the Target Hardening Equipment (NJ NSGPP-THE) opportunity. This program is limited to the purchase and installation of security equipment on property owned or leased by the nonprofit organization. Equipment is limited to select items contained within categories 14 and 15 on FEMA’s Authorized Equipment List and they include items such as CCTV, card access readers, blast film, lighting, fencing, bollards, etc. The only exceptions are alert/public address systems for emergency broadcasting. The maximum amount per applicant is $50,000.

Applicants may apply and be awarded grant funding of up to $10,000 in each year of the pilot program for costs associated with hiring security personnel. Applicants may also apply annually for as much as $50,000 in grant funding to acquire target hardening equipment. NJOHSP may only award an applicant for either security personnel or target hardening equipment, but not both, per fiscal year.

“No one should live in fear for who they are or how they worship,” said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle. “Unfortunately, the realities of today present significant security and safety challenges, especially for faith-based communities, family services agencies, and other nonprofit institutions. Protecting our residents must be our highest priority. Through the expansion of this program, the state of New Jersey affirms our pledge that hate has no home in the Garden State.”

This funding is expected to be appropriated within Fiscal Year 2020 (July 2019).